If it's possible for the IBF to sanction a rematch, why would trying to unify be a problem. They can ask for they sanctioning of the rematch before the first fight. Further, who is to say that the rematch wouldn't happen before the mando is due. Then the mando would be forced to be next.

Lol the irony... Canelo has made an entire career out of doing that - when faced with mandatories he ducks and vacates. If GGG takes on the IBF's number 1 contender next he'll be able to take on a high calibre voluntary afterwards - maybe the Sergey rematch or Canrlo trilogy if ginger puss can finally find his balls.

This type of comment baffles me. Earlier you were defending this move as if it were a mandatory defense. Then, when faced with a comment which clarifies that this unknown guy isn't named mandatory yet, nor has a mandatory defense been ordered, you choose to bash Canelo to somehow make the move less egregious.

Now lets recap what GGG has said. He said he wanted the belts back. Well, he cannot get one from Canelo unless mandated (due to Canelo, who seemingly had balls enough to fight GGG twice). The next option is the Andrade or Charlo. Why not approach those fights? Is the struggle with Chenko, who arguably won the fight, a signal that he is now better served as a glorified exhibition fighter. Well, that's what this next fight would be.